Cross Coupé concept on show in Shanghai

Revealed at the Shanghai motor show, Audi's Cross Coupé concept gives us a glimpse of the company's long-way-off compact 4WD model.

On dimensions close to the Audi's A3 model, the Cross Coupé concept will likely form the basis of the smallest of Audi's luxury off-roaders, alongside the Q5 (due for 2008) and big brother Q7, and shares its platform with the Tiguan compact off-roader from sister-company Volkswagen (more here).

With a length of 4.38m, width of 1.82m and wheelbase of 2.6m, it is only slightly larger than the A3 Sportback. The concept's height of 1.60m is 18cm higher than the A3 to avail an SUV-style seating position. It's expected the compact SUV will carry Audi's Q-prefix by production, presumably for 'Q3', provided the company can get approval.

The Audi Cross Coupé quattro is powered by the company's 2.0-litre four-cylinder inline TDI engine with common-rail fuel injection and piezo injectors, which Audi says is a completely new development. The engine is rated at 150kW/400Nm, and mated to the Audi S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

The Cross Coupé concept features Audi's drive select system which affects settings to the vehicle's engine mapping, gearbox, steering and adaptive shock absorbers.

The concept borrows some design cues from the A5 coupe, with frameless doors and short rear and front overhang. The Cross Coupé concept also features a folding cloth roof which is opened and closed electrically.

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